Walking on the main road between the dorm building and the Track, Rudolph Symbol said she wanted to take a walk to digest, while Maruzensky, who had been tossed around for half the day, said she wanted to go home and rest. Akikawa Yayoi said she was going to the Teaching Building to see if there were any children who hadn't returned for the night. So, everyone parted ways here.
Rudolph Symbol specifically added a remark asking Kagura to come with her. Excellent Quality guessed that Rudolph Symbol probably had some private matter to discuss with Kagura, so she didn't follow and returned to Ritto Dormitory first.
"What is it? Young lady specifically called me over. Is there something important?"
Following Rudolph Symbol as she slowly walked on the Track at night, it was already past the time for exercise, and the lights by the Track were off. The entire Track was pitch black.
Kagura was quite curious about why Rudolph Symbol asked her to come. After all, it was late at night, and she hadn't seen her working overtime today, so she didn't need to drag her back to the dorm.
"This…"
Rudolph Symbol, walking to Kagura's right, paused for a few seconds, seemingly in a mental struggle. After a long while, the two had already walked past an entire curve, and Kagura finally heard Rudolph Symbol's follow-up:
"…Can you hug me?"
"Huh?"
Kagura, who had originally thought Rudolph Symbol had something important to discuss, couldn't help but let out a confused sound like an MC villager.
"It's just… I've had a bit of insomnia these past few days… I have something very important to do tomorrow, and I want to sleep well tonight."
The last time Kagura did that, Rudolph Symbol slept exceptionally comfortably that night and was in excellent condition the next day. Rudolph Symbol had wanted to experiment with this situation for a long time. Whether it was a coincidence or truly effective, trying it wouldn't hurt, as long as Kagura didn't mind doing such a thing.
"Uh… what does that have to do with a hug?"
"I can't explain it clearly, but Kagura's embrace feels very reassuring and can help me sleep well at night."
This was also something Rudolph Symbol had been curious about for a long time. She discovered that Kagura had a certain calming and reassuring aura, making it easy for one to inadvertently get lost in her gentleness.
Although she didn't understand what Rudolph Symbol was saying, Kagura still obediently agreed.
Due to the height difference, Rudolph Symbol would have to squat down or Kagura would have to pick her up for Kagura to hug her. After some thought, Rudolph Symbol chose to squat down herself.
Kagura slowly walked forward, opened her arms, and hugged Rudolph Symbol like she was hugging a child, letting her lean against her chest, then raised her hand and gently stroked her head.
"Kagura… you don't mind doing this, do you?"
Leaning against Kagura's chest, Rudolph Symbol still had some reservations, afraid that her seemingly inexplicable request would make Kagura dislike her.
"It's okay, it's okay. Young lady usually works very hard and also needs to release her own stress. Now, only I am by your side… only I can see Young lady in this state. Don't worry, rest well."
After speaking, Kagura gently stroked Rudolph Symbol's hair while humming a gentle tune.
Enveloped in that warm and comfortable aura, accompanied by Kagura's soft singing, Rudolph Symbol felt her consciousness seemed to momentarily disconnect. Her whole body felt light and airy. She didn't know how much time had passed until Kagura's soft call brought her back to her senses, and she awoke as if from a dream.
"Do you feel a little more relaxed, Young lady?"
"Thank you… I feel much better. Sorry to trouble you with such a strange thing again."
"It's nothing. If Young lady has such high work pressure, she indeed needs a way to release it. I understand."
Kagura didn't mind this matter. She could understand Rudolph Symbol's reason for doing so. After all, with busy work every day, one needs a way to release stress. If her one or two hugs could help her release stress, she wouldn't mind hugging her for as long as needed.
After all, Rudolph Symbol had a strong personality, and showing her vulnerable side like that would normally be impossible for her. Only in a situation like that, when they were alone, would she dare to gather her courage and reveal that side to someone she trusted.
'Unconsciously… have I actually come to trust Kagura enough to ask her to do something like this…?'
It had only been three weeks since Kagura became her Support Musume, and Rudolph Symbol was surprised that she dared to ask Kagura to do such a thing.
She felt that Kagura was a very unfathomable child. Kagura already understood her quite well and showed her considerable tolerance and understanding, yet she still felt that she didn't quite understand Kagura. Sometimes, she even felt that Kagura wasn't like a child, but more like an elder who was older than her.
"Speaking of which, with both race preparations and Student Council affairs to manage, are you always so busy, Young lady? Do you never get a chance to rest properly?"
"I do rest occasionally. When I'm alone, I go archery, or play a game of chess… Haha, do those sound like strange hobbies?"
Rudolph Symbol also knew that her hobbies might be a bit unusual. After all, most girls her age were interested in more modern hobbies, which made her seem a bit like an ancient person.
"There's nothing strange about it, right? Hobbies are called hobbies precisely because they're diverse! And what's wrong with archery and chess? They're good hobbies that can also train you."
"Oh my… it really feels like no matter what I say, Kagura, you always support me?"
"I do not! I genuinely think this hobby is good. If you were to ask me if you could eat another bowl of rice today, I would definitely stop you."
"You child… *sigh*… you're full of surprises and unexpected things. Next time you're free, I'll take you to see the Archery Club at school?"
"Alright then… I'm really looking forward to it."
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